Family Retreat Lottery Application

Family Retreat Application

Application Timeline Overview

Feb. 19, 2025 | Applications open; accepted on a rolling basis until program is full

April 17, 2025 | Application deadline; all applications submitted after this date will be considered for the waitlist

April 25, 2025 | Final notifications of application status sent out

Application Process
- Please answer all of the questions. Applications with incomplete or insufficient answers will not be accepted.
- Applications will be formally accepted on a rolling basis throughout the application period until the program fills, whichever comes first.
- Applications received AFTER the retreat is full or after the application period closes on April 17, 2025 will automatically be considered for the waitlist. You are encouraged to apply early.
- If accepted into the retreat, you will receive an acceptance notification. To hold your family's spot, you must submit a commitment confirmation and initial payment within 3 days of acceptance notification.
Additional Details
- All information is confidential to the teaching and management teams of this retreat.
- Selections for this retreat are lottery-style to support our ongoing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) commitment. Applying for this retreat does not guarantee a space in the retreat.
- If you have any questions, please contact us at registration@spiritrock.org
- EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2024 – Covid-19 Safety Protocols for residential retreats have been updated.
- This application may take 30+ minutes to complete. There is a Young Friend Questionnaire, which requires your child(ren) to answer a few questions.
- Please check that you meet the retreat prerequisites (below).
With Metta,
Your Family Retreat team

Prerequesites
RETREAT EXPERIENCE

Because the Family Retreat is a true retreat experience that brings us face to face with our own experience and may bring up deeply felt emotions, at least one parent/caregiver in each family needs to have attended one or more silent residential meditation retreats of at least 4 nights. If you do not have this experience, please check Spirit Rock’s website for a list of upcoming retreats; we welcome you to apply for registration for any of our residential retreats.
Prerequisite: At least one parent/caregiver must have attended one or more silent residential meditation retreat of at least 4 nights. Please confirm you understand and meet this prerequisite.*

Yes, at least 1 parent/caregiver has attend a silent residential meditation retreat of at least 4 nights.No, no one in my family currently meets this prerequisite. One parent/caregiver will attend a silent residential meditation retreat of at least 4 nights before the Family Retreat begins. (please list retreat name, center, and date below)Other

Part 3: Retreat Experience
My family has attended the Family Retreat at Spirit Rock before.*

YesNo - this would be our first Family Retreat. This is our first time applying.No - this would be our first Family Retreat. We have applied in the past.
Has your family attended a residential family retreat at another organization? If so, where?*
Have any of the parent/caregiver(s) previously attended a residential retreat at Spirit Rock?*

YesNo
Please indicate total number of retreat nights EACH parent/caregiver has attended at Spirit Rock.*
Have any of the parent/caregiver(s) attended a silent meditation residential retreat at a retreat center other than Spirit Rock?

YesNo
Please indicate total number nights of silent meditation retreat EACH parent/caregiver has attended (OUTSIDE OF SPIRIT ROCK) and with which retreat center/teacher. *

Part 5: Payment
Sliding scale (per person): $380-$1760; 4 nights including food and lodging.

Please consider paying at the highest rate that you can afford: your generosity supports Spirit Rock, staff, and your fellow practitioners. Any amount offered above the Sustainer Rate of $1320 is a tax deductible donation to Spirit Rock, and your generosity will enable and support the participation of others.

Regrettably, we cannot guarantee financial support for all scholarship requests. Acceptance to this retreat is separate from financial support offers, so you may be accepted to the retreat without financial support available, based on total requests and funds available.

Sliding Scale:
- Benefactor Rate – $1760
- Sustainer Rate – $1320
- Basic Rate – $880
The following rates are available for those needing financial support.
- Mudita/Karuna Scholarship – $380*
- BIPOC Scholarship – $380*
*Both the Mudita/Karuna Scholarship and BIPOC Scholarship rates are limited and reserved for those truly experiencing financial hardship.

*Registration fees DO NOT include teacher dana. At the end of the retreat, there will be an invitation to offer dana to the teachers and to Spirit Rock.

Pay in full or Payment plan: You can either pay in full or pay a deposit when you register. Payment plans are available to everyone! If you choose the deposit option, the remaining balance will be automatically charged to your payment card in equal installments on a monthly basis. Full payment is due 2 weeks prior to the retreat start.

Important Notes:
Scholarship offerings: All scholarship rates require a minimum fee and are limited to those with significant financial need. Scholarships are limited to TWO per calendar year for residential retreats. And, while we are not able to offer “pay what you can” type of scholarships for in-person retreats, we invite you to email us if the lowest rate does not fit your circumstance.
Will your family be applying for a scholarship?*

YesNo
Select Payment rate:*

Benefactor - $1760Sustainer - $1320Base - $880Mudita/Karuna Scholarship (limited) - reserved for those truly experiencing financial hardship – $380BIPOC Scholarship (limited) - Black, Indigenous, and People of Color truly experiencing financial hardship – $380

Part 6: Responsibility Form + The Five Precepts
By typing my name in the field below, I give my consent for my child(ren) to participate in Spirit Rock's Family Retreat. I understand I am responsible for supervising my child(ren) during the specified free-times during the retreat. At Spirit Rock, supervising my child(ren) includes supporting my child(ren) in maintaining the Precepts, which creates a container of safety and integrity for the entire Family Sangha.
Type full name below:*

Part 7: Young Friend Questionnaire
Dear {Youth1Name}

We are so happy that you are applying to the Family Retreat at Spirit Rock. We would like to let you know a little about the program and learn something about you.

Each day of the retreat you will have some time with your family and some time with other young people around your age, in groups led by wonderful mindful leaders.* A couple of times a day, while your parents are meditating or having dharma talks or discussion, you will have your own activities, which will include playing dharma games, art projects, singing, and listening to stories.

* Young people 11 years old and older will participate in either a Tween Group or a Teen Group (groups will be divided by grade according to the group size), which will include meditation, council practice, discussions, dharma community service, and time with their families.

There will also be some very special times when you will have the opportunity to be in the meditation hall with your family. During these times you will have the chance to feel the magic of silence. There will be brief periods of learning to meditate in ways you might not imagine, but may never forget! The sacred space of the meditation hall is like a garden in which many rare flowers can bloom. The seeds are planted in the silence and they grow as we listen to each other and to our own selves.

So that your mindful leaders and teachers can be ready to welcome you, we would like you to answer the questions below.

We look forward to seeing you,
Spirit Rock Family Retreat Teachers and Staff
Have you ever been to Spirit Rock or to another meditation center? If not Spirit Rock, which one?*
Do you know other children (including brothers and sisters) who are applying for this retreat, or will you be making new friends? (Please tell us who you might already know on the retreat.)*
What kinds of activities do you like to do? What are some of your favorites?*
Have you ever meditated? If so, please tell us a little about your experience.*
How do you feel about coming to this Family Retreat? Do you have any concerns or fears?*
By typing my name in the field provided below, I indicate that I am willing to participate fully in the Family Retreat and to cooperate with the Precepts & the guidelines of the teachers and mindful leaders.*
Type Full Name.
[for parent/caregiver] Proceed to Young Friend Questionnaire for Child 2?*

YesI'm only applying for 1 child to attend Family Retreat
Dear {Youth2Name}

We are so happy that you are applying to the Family Retreat at Spirit Rock. We would like to let you know a little about the program and learn something about you.

Each day of the retreat you will have some time with your family and some time with other young people around your age, in groups led by wonderful mindful leaders.* A couple of times a day, while your parents are meditating or having dharma talks or discussion, you will have your own activities, which will include playing dharma games, art projects, singing, and listening to stories.

* Young people 11 years old and older will participate in either a Tween Group or a Teen Group (groups will be divided by grade according to the group size), which will include meditation, council practice, discussions, dharma community service, and time with their families.

There will also be some very special times when you will have the opportunity to be in the meditation hall with your family. During these times you will have the chance to feel the magic of silence. There will be brief periods of learning to meditate in ways you might not imagine, but may never forget! The sacred space of the meditation hall is like a garden in which many rare flowers can bloom. The seeds are planted in the silence and they grow as we listen to each other and to our own selves.

So that your mindful leaders and teachers can be ready to welcome you, we would like you to answer the questions below.

We look forward to seeing you,
Spirit Rock Family Retreat Teachers and Staff
Have you ever been to Spirit Rock or to another meditation center? If not Spirit Rock, which one?*
Do you know other children (including brothers and sisters) who are applying for this retreat, or will you be making new friends? (Please tell us who you might already know on the retreat.)*
What kinds of activities do you like to do? What are some of your favorites?*
Have you ever meditated? If so, please tell us a little about your experience.*
How do you feel about coming to this Family Retreat? Do you have any concerns or fears?*
By typing my name in the field provided below, I indicate that I am willing to participate fully in the Family Retreat and to cooperate with the Precepts & the guidelines of the teachers and mindful leaders.*
Type Full Name.
[for parent/caregiver] Proceed to Young Friend Questionnaire for Child 3?*

YesI'm only applying for 2 children to attend Family Retreat
Dear {Youth3Name}

We are so happy that you are applying to the Family Retreat at Spirit Rock. We would like to let you know a little about the program and learn something about you.

Each day of the retreat you will have some time with your family and some time with other young people around your age, in groups led by wonderful mindful leaders.* A couple of times a day, while your parents are meditating or having dharma talks or discussion, you will have your own activities, which will include playing dharma games, art projects, singing, and listening to stories.

* Young people 11 years old and older will participate in either a Tween Group or a Teen Group (groups will be divided by grade according to the group size), which will include meditation, council practice, discussions, dharma community service, and time with their families.

There will also be some very special times when you will have the opportunity to be in the meditation hall with your family. During these times you will have the chance to feel the magic of silence. There will be brief periods of learning to meditate in ways you might not imagine, but may never forget! The sacred space of the meditation hall is like a garden in which many rare flowers can bloom. The seeds are planted in the silence and they grow as we listen to each other and to our own selves.

So that your mindful leaders and teachers can be ready to welcome you, we would like you to answer the questions below.

We look forward to seeing you,
Spirit Rock Family Retreat Teachers and Staff
Have you ever been to Spirit Rock or to another meditation center? If not Spirit Rock, which one?*
Do you know other children (including brothers and sisters) who are applying for this retreat, or will you be making new friends? (Please tell us who you might already know on the retreat.)*
What kinds of activities do you like to do? What are some of your favorites?*
Have you ever meditated? If so, please tell us a little about your experience.*
How do you feel about coming to this Family Retreat? Do you have any concerns or fears?*
By typing my name in the field provided below, I indicate that I am willing to participate fully in the Family Retreat and to cooperate with the Precepts & the guidelines of the teachers and mindful leaders.*
Type Full Name.
[for parent/caregiver] Proceed to Young Friend Questionnaire for Child 4?*

YesI'm only applying for 3 children to attend Family Retreat
Dear {Youth4Name}

We are so happy that you are applying to the Family Retreat at Spirit Rock. We would like to let you know a little about the program and learn something about you.

Each day of the retreat you will have some time with your family and some time with other young people around your age, in groups led by wonderful mindful leaders.* A couple of times a day, while your parents are meditating or having dharma talks or discussion, you will have your own activities, which will include playing dharma games, art projects, singing, and listening to stories.

* Young people 11 years old and older will participate in either a Tween Group or a Teen Group (groups will be divided by grade according to the group size), which will include meditation, council practice, discussions, dharma community service, and time with their families.

There will also be some very special times when you will have the opportunity to be in the meditation hall with your family. During these times you will have the chance to feel the magic of silence. There will be brief periods of learning to meditate in ways you might not imagine, but may never forget! The sacred space of the meditation hall is like a garden in which many rare flowers can bloom. The seeds are planted in the silence and they grow as we listen to each other and to our own selves.

So that your mindful leaders and teachers can be ready to welcome you, we would like you to answer the questions below.

We look forward to seeing you,
Spirit Rock Family Retreat Teachers and Staff
Have you ever been to Spirit Rock or to another meditation center? If not Spirit Rock, which one?*
Do you know other children (including brothers and sisters) who are applying for this retreat, or will you be making new friends? (Please tell us who you might already know on the retreat.)*
What kinds of activities do you like to do? What are some of your favorites?*
Have you ever meditated? If so, please tell us a little about your experience.*
How do you feel about coming to this Family Retreat? Do you have any concerns or fears?*
By typing my name in the field provided below, I indicate that I am willing to participate fully in the Family Retreat and to cooperate with the Precepts & the guidelines of the teachers and mindful leaders.*
Type Full Name.

Part 8: Final Thoughts
Where did you find out about Spirit Rock's Family Retreat?*

Spirit Rock newsletterSpirit Rock websiteA friend or family memberSocial mediaSpirit Rock sanghaOther
Do you or an adult in your family who is attending the retreat have any particular physical/psychological/behavioral vulnerabilities? Please take a moment to describe their vulnerability and how we can best support. (If not, please write N/A.)*

0/250
If your child has any particular physical/psychological/behavioral vulnerabilities, please take a moment to describe their vulnerability and how we can best support your child and your family. (If not, please write N/A.)*

0/250
Why do you want to attend Family Retreat?

0/250
Is there any other information that you would like to share with us?

Submission
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Family Retreat Application

Application Timeline Overview

Application Process

Additional Details